Connecticut train station to receive state funds to push project forward

The Connecticut State Bond Commission plans to approve $2.75 million for the Connecticut Department of Transportation to hire a consultant to complete the engineering, design and environmental permitting to develop the site of the new Barnum Train Station on Bridgeport's East Side.

Connecticut Gov. Dannell Malloy made the announcement last week at the former Remington Arms factory, a brownfield property, which will be the location of the city's second train station.

"With this investment in the Barnum Train Station, we are improving the quality of life for residents in Bridgeport's East Side and East End while at the same time encouraging transit-oriented and economic development in our largest city," said Gov. Malloy. "Moving this project forward demonstrates our commitment to helping municipal partners and stakeholders make their communities more accessible, more walkable centers of cultural and economic activity. In the process, we are also building a foundation to make Connecticut a stronger and more regionally competitive state by growing jobs for residents and providing more flexible, convenient transportation options for employers and employees alike."

The governor said with this funding in place and an estimated 18-month design phase, the soil remediation that will be performed can begin in spring of 2016 and construction on the station could occur in 2017 for a start of operations in the fall of 2018.

Gov. Malloy emphasized that funding for Barnum Station is just one part of a coordinated strategy to increase ridership along the New Haven Line by investing in new stations, train cars and rail infrastructure in order to ensure safer, faster and more reliable service for residents.

The State Bond Commission is scheduled to vote on the item at its July 25 meeting.